Record-breaking December graduation class for University of Michigan-Flint receive degrees

FLINT, MI – More graduation tassels were flipped by students
at the University of Michigan-Flint commencement ceremony Sunday, Dec. 15, than any December graduation in the school's history.

Approximately 367 graduates registered to walk across the stage at
the Perani Arena Sunday in a record-breaking graduation ceremony, beating the December 2007 record of 363 – an accomplishment
not just for the university, but for the city of Flint, James O'Dea said.

O'Dea, who received his bachelor's degree in philosophy Sunday
afternoon and offered the student address at commencement, urging his peers take
pride in the city.

"Don't just be proud of what you've done today," he said, "but
be proud of where you have done it."

O'Dea plans to stay at the University of Michigan-Flint to
pursue a master's degree in business administration.

Fellow graduate Meghan Kelly, who received her master's
degree in arts administration, said she also hopes to stay in Flint, ideally to
work at an art gallery or create an outreach program that helps area children
get more exposure to the arts.

"I like Flint," she said. "The (Flint) Cultural Center is a huge
deal here, and even within just an hour radius of Flint, there are so many places
I'd be willing to commute to."

Other students, such as New
Lothrop resident Daniel Pinchock who earned a master's degree in arts and mathematics, will spend the
next few weeks searching for out-of-state jobs.

"I'd rather leave the
area...I've been living here my whole life," he said. "I'm ready to see something
new."

Whether or not the students decide to stay in the Flint
area, they all have something in common – a massive root structure, said Dr. Gerard
Voland, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, after offering
recognition of awards and honors at the ceremony.

Voland explained that the fastest growing plant in the world
is first planted, then watered and nurtured for four years before it sprouts
from the ground. But when it does, he said, it grows at a rate of two feet per
day before reaching a height of about 90 feet.

"What was it doing during those years that it was not
sprouting? It was laying down a massive root structure to support the giant
stalk," he said. "You have a great education on which to build."